"This is the type of event that you can be 5 years old or 100 years old and have a great day and support a great cause," event Chairman Mark Trahan said. "It's a nice day out for the family."

The carnival will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday and feature more than 20 rides, as well as food vendors, midway games, an Oktoberfest beer garden and live music Friday and Saturday evening, Trahan said.

"It's so much fun," said Judy Keane, head of the foundation. "Go off your diets for a day. Young families, this is a bargain for a whole day of entertainment."

All carnival proceeds will support the Keane Foundation and its programs in Wethersfield, which include after-school programs for elementary and middle school students and community events such as outdoor movies.

The foundation's purpose is to work with the town to create and support youth athletic, academic and social programs.

The foundation was created in memory of Judy Keane's husband Richard M. Keane, who died in the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. Richard Keane worked for the Marsh & McLennan company in Connecticut and was at the World Trade Center for a meeting on that day.

Judy Keane credited Trahan, who is on the foundation's board, with coming up with the idea for the carnival five years ago.

"It's truly been a wonderful event for the town," Keane said. "We're a success because we provide a venue for our families, and that's our mission."

The annual fall carnival has become a popular event, typically attracting thousands during its three-day run, Keane said.

"There are some kids who start talking about going in the summer," Trahan said.

The carnival will run from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday, noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. All-day ride tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children.